19. But Peter and John replied, "Judge for yourselves. Which is right from God's point of view? Should we obey you? Or God?
20. There's nothing else we can do. We have to speak about the things we've seen and heard."
21. The leaders warned them again. Then they let them go. They couldn't decide how to punish Peter and John. They knew that all the people were praising God for what had happened.
22. The man who had been healed by the miracle was over 40 years old.
23. Peter and John were allowed to leave. They went back to their own people. They reported everything the chief priests and the elders had said to them.
24. When the believers heard this, they raised their voices together in prayer to God. "Lord and King," they said, "you made the heavens, the earth and the sea. You made everything in them.
25. Long ago you spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of our father David, who served you. You said, " 'Why are the nations angry? Why do the people make useless plans?
26. The kings of the earth take their stand against the Lord. The rulers of the earth gather together against his Anointed King.' (Psalm 2:1,2)
27. "In fact, Herod and Pontius Pilate met together in this city with those who weren't Jews. They also met with the people of Israel. All of them made plans against your holy servant Jesus. He is the one you anointed.
28. They did what your power and purpose had already decided should happen.
29. Now, Lord, consider the bad things they say they are going to do. Help us to be very bold when we speak your word.
30. Stretch out your hand to heal. Do miraculous signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus."
31. After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. They were all filled with the Holy Spirit. They were bold when they spoke God's word.
32. All the believers were agreed in heart and mind. They didn't claim that anything they had was their own. They shared everything they owned.
33. With great power the apostles continued their teaching. They gave witness that the Lord Jesus had risen from the dead. And they were greatly blessed by God.
34. There were no needy persons among them. From time to time, those who owned land or houses sold them. They brought the money from the sales.